Eastern Washington Mule Deer Capture Postponed Until January

Nets fired by state biologists from a hovering helicopter to capture Eastern Washington mule deer for survey purposes will not happen this weekend as scheduled.

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The chopper deer catcher has been postponed until January due to a scheduling conflict with the aircraft contractor, a release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said.

The work will be conducted in Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties lasting several weeks when underway next month.

About 50 does will be captured and fitted with GPS/satellite collars to allow biologists to monitor migration patterns and doe survival.

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Then more information about mule deer populations will be gathered including the percentages of bucks, does and fawns. Officials say the information could be used to inform and help shape future management of the deer populations and subsequent hunting seasons.